Our Platinum Year: An Evening of Song and Celebration
By: Laurie Gregory, Special Events Manager
FiftyForward’s annual celebration of Older Americans Month had a festive take this year. We made it a party! To commemorate our 70 years of service, we did what Nashville does best – bring people together for good food, fellowship, and live music.
City Winery Nashville was the perfect setting to honor FiftyForward’s “Our Platinum Year” anniversary celebration. Held on May 14, 2026, more than 250 guests enjoyed a reception hosted by our friends at Tito’s Handmade Vodka, one of our newest sponsors. We are grateful to Tito’s for their generous financial gift. To toast the celebration, weserved a specialty drink created for the evening, the Lavender 70. This cocktail (or mocktail) was a combination of Tito’s Vodka, fresh lemonade, homemade lavender
syrup, and a lime wedge. It was a delicious treat to toast our 70th with a nod to FiftyForward’s brand colors.
Our guests were having so much fun mingling and enjoying the passed appetizers, it took a few of us to move them into the main hall for dinner. Once seated, they enjoyed a salad of fresh spring veggies, then were served their choice of Short Rib, Seared Salmon, or Foraged Mushroom Pasta. Many added the venue’s wines to their meal. And speaking of fun, we had Chocolate Truffles family style. Servers brought out plates of those little Nashville-made yummies for everyone at the tables to share and enjoy.
A brief program included remarks from FiftyForward’s board chair Fatima Karwandyar and our CEO Sallie Hussey. We debuted our 70 th anniversary video, then welcomed the evening’s entertainment.
Tito’s isn’t the only thing Austin, Texas, is known for. The Band of Heathens brought their signature blend of country, rock, and soul to An Evening of Song & Celebration, providing the soundtrack for an unforgettable night honoring older adults. We are grateful to the band and encourage you to check them out at BandofHeathens.com.
As the evening came to an end, each guest received a gift bag including a custom Hatch Show Print and a glass coaster etched with FiftyForward’s logo. But more importantly, they left with full hearts, big smiles, and a deeper understanding of how FiftyForward serves older adults through programs and services at our seven centers across Middle Tennessee.
Thank you to our staff, volunteers, community partners, and everyone who came out to support FiftyForward, our mission, and Older Americans Month.
Support Our Sponsors
When you support our special event sponsors, you help us thank them for supporting FiftyForward’s mission.
For more information on sponsoring events, please contact Laurie Gregory, lgregory@FiftyForward.org.
